Wondering what the best things to do in Airlie Beach are? As the gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands, it’s easy to get swept up in island-hopping dreams. But there’s a lot more to this tropical Queensland town than meets the eye. From hidden waterfalls to beachside markets and rainforest hikes, Airlie Beach offers plenty to keep families entertained without even leaving the mainland.
Here are some of the best things to do in and around Airlie Beach for your next getaway.
Things to do in Airlie Beach for families
Relax on beautiful beaches
While Whitehaven might be calling, Airlie Beach has its own share of beautiful stretches of sand. Dingo Beach, Hideaway Bay and Coral Beach are perfect for those chasing seclusion. Dingo Beach even has a playground and stinger net, making it a great choice for families.
If you’d like a post-swim meal with ocean views, head to Cannonvale or Boathaven beaches. Both have nearby restaurants and calm waters.
For something different, venture to Coral Beach in Conway National Park. As its name suggests, it’s dotted with coral and shells. Conway and Wilsons Beach, found around the mouth of the Proserpine River (about 40 minutes from town), are also worth a visit. When the tide retreats at Conway Beach, it leaves behind shallow puddles – perfect for kids to splash around in.
Day trip to Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island with Cruise Whitsundays
Watch our experience on this Cruise Whitsundays tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island below:
One of the most popular day trips from Airlie Beach is the Cruise Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Tour. It’s a fantastic way to tick off two bucket-list destinations in one day.
Whitehaven Beach, a 7km stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise water, is an absolute highlight and consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches.
Splash around at Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls is a gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole surrounded by native bushland. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a few hours here. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach toward Conway Beach, followed by a short 5-minute walk from the carpark.
Adventurous families can climb to the top for hidden rock pools, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot freshwater turtles lazing in the shallows. The falls are most impressive after rain, generally between November and April. Don’t forget mosquito repellent!
Swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is a must for families, offering safe, stinger-free swimming right in the heart of town. Spanning 4,300 square metres, this artificial lagoon feels like a resort pool – sandy edges, palm trees, and all.
There are shallow sections for kids, lap lanes, BBQ facilities, change rooms, and plenty of grassy areas for picnics. Best of all, entry is free.
Get out on the Great Barrier Reef
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most memorable things to do in Airlie Beach. Cruise Whitsundays operates a Great Barrier Reef Cruise to the Reefworld Pontoon and it’s a great option for families.
Enjoy snorkelling or swimming in a roped-off lagoon, view colourful fish through the underwater observatory, and learn from reef experts. A buffet lunch is included, making it an easy and educational day out.
Grab some goodies at the Airlie Beach Markets
Grab some tropical treasures at the Airlie Beach Markets, held every Saturday from 7 am to 1:30 pm along the foreshore near the Sailing Club. Browse stalls selling handmade jewellery, crafts, beachwear and fresh produce – all with an ocean backdrop.
Hungry? Grab a snack or coffee from one of the food trucks and enjoy the relaxed, local vibe.
Hike a section of the Conway Circuit
Previously known as the Whitsunday Great Walk, the Conway Circuit is a 27km trail stretching from Proserpine to Airlie Beach. You can tackle the full track over 3-4 days with camping stops, or dip into shorter family-friendly sections:
- Honeyeater Lookout: 8.2km return (from Kara Crescent entrance). Tough in parts, but offers stunning views of the Whitsundays.
- Kingfisher Walk: 600m (40 mins return) from Forestry Road car park. Short but steep with stairs and rainforest views.
- Wompoo Way: 7km return (3.5 hours). Follows an old logging trail through dense forest to a scenic creek.
Find solitude off the beaten track at Hydeaway Bay
Around 55km from Airlie Beach, Hydeaway Bay lives up to its name as a peaceful, crowd-free paradise. Follow Dingo Beach Road and look for the turnoff to Hydeaway Bay Drive.
Pack a picnic, beach toys, and your sense of adventure – this is one of the best spots near Airlie Beach to simply unwind.
Stroll the Bicentennial Walk
The 5km Bicentennial Walk connects the Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale Beach, winding along the waterfront with stunning views. It’s paved, mostly flat, and pram-friendly, making it ideal for families.
You’ll find cafes and restaurants along the way, so plan to stop for a coffee or lunch before finishing with a dip in the lagoon.
Rent a yacht and learn to sail
Did you know you can rent a yacht in the Whitsundays without a boat licence? Companies like Whitsundays Rent a Yacht offer training and a short sailing test before setting you free to explore.
Spend your days island-hopping at your own pace, with regular radio check-ins from the base crew to guide you on weather and routes. It’s an incredible experience for adventurous families.
Visit Bowen for a mango selfie
Just an hour north of Airlie Beach, Bowen is another beautiful coastal gem. Stop at Horseshoe Bay for a swim or snorkel, and don’t forget your photo with the famous Big Mango. It’s a classic Aussie road trip stop!
Go on the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
Join local guides for a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari along the calm Proserpine River. Keep your eyes peeled for crocs and other wildlife during the boat and tractor-pulled wetland tours.
The experience also includes Queensland mud crab catching, traditional billy tea and damper, and an Aussie-style BBQ lunch. It’s a truly unique day out!
Essential information
How to get to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is located roughly 1,100km north of Brisbane on Queensland’s coast, about halfway between Rockhampton and Cairns.
- By car: A scenic drive along the Bruce Highway will get you there. You can turn off the Bruce Highway north of Proserpine and follow Shute Harbour Road to reach Airlie Beach.
- By air: Fly into Proserpine Airport (Whitsunday Coast Airport), just 40 minutes away, with shuttle buses running regularly to town.
Where to stay: Airlie Beach accommodation for families
The NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park is a great choice for families. We stayed in a bungalow, but there are also cabins, campsites and caravan sites available. Facilities include a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and a tour booking desk.
The park is conveniently located just a two-minute drive from town, next to a fish and chip shop, and less than a kilometre from Shingley Beach.
FAQs about Airlie Beach
The best time to visit Airlie Beach is between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny with low humidity. This is the dry season, which means calmer seas, great visibility for snorkelling, and fewer jellyfish in the water. The summer months (November to April) bring higher humidity and a greater chance of rain, but waterfalls like Cedar Creek Falls are at their best.
Yes! The safest and most popular place to swim in Airlie Beach is the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a saltwater lagoon pool right in the heart of town. It’s completely free to use and stinger-free year-round. You can also swim at Boathaven Beach and Cannonvale Beach, both of which have stinger nets during jellyfish season (generally November to May).
Saltwater crocodiles can be found in the Proserpine River and surrounding mangroves, but they are rarely seen near the main beaches or lagoon. If you’d like to see them safely, join the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari – it’s one of the most popular wildlife tours in the region.
A minimum of three days gives you time to enjoy the lagoon, markets, and a day trip to the islands. However, five to seven days is ideal if you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, hike the Conway Circuit, and explore places like Bowen and Hydeaway Bay.
If you’re staying in central Airlie Beach, you can easily get around on foot or by shuttle bus. However, if you want to explore nearby attractions such as Cedar Creek Falls, Dingo Beach, or Conway National Park, hiring a car makes it much easier.
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